4th Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion

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4th Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion
4th LAAD Insignia
Active	October 1, 1972 - present
Country	United States
Branch	USMC
Role	Air defense
Part of	Marine Air Control Group 48 4th Marine Aircraft Wing
Garrison/HQ	Pasadena, California
Nickname	4th LAAD
Motto	“Death From Below”
Battles/wars	Operation Desert Storm Operation Iraqi Freedom
Commanders
Current commander	LtCol Gary K Wortham

4th Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion (4th LAAD) is a reserve air defense unit of the United States Marine Corps. They are part of Marine Air Control Group 48 (MACG-48) and the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (4th MAW) and are currently based out in Pasadena, California.

1 Mission
2 History
3 See also
4 References

[edit] Mission

Provide close-in air defense protection for Marine Air Ground Task Force assets, key installations and vital area within the area of operations including protection of units operating in forward combat areas or engaged in special independent operations.

[edit] History

The 4th Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion traces its origin back to October 1, 1972 when the 4th Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD) Battery was activated as a combat support unit under the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing. From 1972 to 1988, 4th FAAD Battery consisted of (4) Firing Platoons and a Headquarters and Service platoon. FAAD teams employed the Red Eye shoulder launched surface to air missile and used the M1A1 Jeep for missile transport and tactical mobility. In 1988, 4th FAAD Battery transitioned from the Red Eye and Jeep to the |stinger surface to air missile and the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV).

On July 1, 1989, 4th FAAD Battery was re-designated as the 4th Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion and was assigned to Marine Air Control Group 48, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing. The re-designation increased the size of the unit from 4 platoons to a Battalion headquarters, one Firing Battery and a Headquarters and Service Battery (-). At that time, 4th FAAD Detachment Alpha in Marietta, Georgia was also re-designated as 4th LAAD Battalion, Detachment Alpha and increased in size from three platoons to a Firing Battery and a Headquarters and Service Detachment.

Several significant events have occurred in the unit following the re-designation. In November 1990, a platoon of 45 Stinger gunners and communication operators deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. The platoon was assigned to the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade to augment the active duty LAAD forces. In 1995, the Avenger weapon system was fielded to the unit. The avenger is a HMMWV-based Stinger platform that provides enhanced night engagement capabilities and the ability to shoot on the move.

4th LAAD Battalion has a continuing tradition of community involvement providing assistance and support to civic organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, The Navy League, The Tournament of Roses Parade Committee, Boy Scouts, YMCA, Young Marines, Toys for Tots, and the local schools for Drug Demand Reduction. The unit also provides ongoing support for funeral details, color guards, parades, athletic events, static displays, and disaster relief within the community and surrounding areas of Pasadena.